Chad Smith Foundation Announces Inaugural Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship Recipients
The Chad Smith Foundation is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship, supporting students pursuing careers in music at the University of Michigan, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The scholarship honors Chad Smith’s parents, Curtis and Joan, whose support played an instrumental role in his journey as a musician. From introducing him to music and supporting lessons during his childhood to encouraging his pursuit of a music career after high school, their belief gave Chad the opportunity to chase his dream. He credits their support as a major reason he was able to build the career he has today.
The scholarship carries that legacy forward by supporting aspiring musicians at three universities with meaningful connections to Chad, his family, and the Chad Smith Foundation.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan represents Chad’s deep connection to the state where he grew up. Raised outside of Detroit, Chad is also a lifelong fan of the Michigan Wolverines, making the university a natural home for one of the inaugural scholarships.
- Name: Charlotte
- Hometown: Lake Forest, California
- Area of Study: Cello Performance
- Instrument: Cello
- Fun Fact: Charlotte is part of the Endpin Project, a nonprofit that uses music to give back to the community.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota holds a special place in the Smith family story. Both Curtis and Joan Smith are graduates of the university, and Chad was born in St. Paul before his family later relocated to the Detroit area.
- Name: Laeton
- Hometown: Burnsville, Minnesota
- Area of Study: Bachelor of Arts in Saxophone
- Instrument: Alto Saxophone
- Fun Fact: Laeton was a residency artist at Minneapolis jazz club Berlin, performing jazz, West African music, and original songs.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The Chad Smith Foundation partnered with All-In Milwaukee, which supports scholars attending six universities across Greater Milwaukee, to establish the scholarship locally. The partnership builds on the Foundation’s connection to the community, where it is headquartered and first launched its AMP initiative.
- Name: Angel
- Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Area of Study: Music Education
- Instruments: Voice and Guitar
- Fun Fact: Angel performed three times with the Marquette University High School choir for Heart of the Nation nationwide broadcasts.
Congratulations to Charlotte, Laeton, and Angel, the inaugural Curtis & Joan Smith Scholars.